Things to Do | Trails

Assiniboine Trail

St. François Xavier

The Assiniboine Trail has been re-named several times. It was the beginning of the Carleton Trail; the longest trail being some 900 hundred miles from the Forks, to Upper Fort des Prairies at Edmonton. Later it was known as the Great Highway according to an 1874 map, then part of the Trans-Canada Highway. Currently it is designated as Provincial Trunk Highway 26 – The Assiniboine Trail.

The Assiniboine Trail has been re-named several times. It was the beginning of the Carleton Trail; the longest trail being some 900 hundred miles from the Forks, to Upper Fort des Prairies at Edmonton. Later it was known as the Great Highway according to an 1874 map, then part of the Trans-Canada Highway. Currently it is designated as Provincial Trunk Highway 26 – The Assiniboine Trail.

Biking, Back Roads and Buddas

Olha

A 25, 40 or 75 kilometres tour, starting and ending in Olha, focusing on the history of Ukrainian settlement in the region and featuring several settlement-related sites in close proximity. Most of the route follows maintained gravel roads with low traffic volumes. The area's location between...

A 25, 40 or 75 kilometres tour, starting and ending in Olha, focusing on the history of Ukrainian settlement in the region and featuring several settlement-related sites in close proximity. Most of the route follows maintained gravel roads with low traffic volumes. The area's location between Asessippi Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park make it an ideal new day trip destination for cyclists already frequenting these parks. For more information visit www.valleylands.ca or call 204-859-2779. There is also Tour 8, Where Past is Present, in the Day Tours section of this guide.

Birch Mountain Sports

Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes

Birch Mountain Sports offers a wide range of activities such as skiing, ski lessons, hiking, and mountain bike racing which are organized throughout the year.

Directions:

Birch Ski Area is located near Roseisle, MB approximately 27km west of Carman, Manitoba. From the corner of PR240 & PR245 head 1 mile west along PR245 until you reach a blue sigh marked "BIRCH SKI AREA" and turn right (southbound) onto Road 40W. Then continue straight for another 2 1/4 miles until you come to an intersection that has a white shed and turn right (westbound) onto Road 32N. Continue straight. Once you're up the big hill stay to your left and you will find yourself in the Birch Ski Area parking area.

Bittersweet Trails

Treherne

The cross-country skiing Bittersweet Trails has 20 km of groomed single track ski trails, ranging from easy to difficult, with warming huts. They are located along the Assiniboine River north of Treherne on Highway #242.

The cross-country skiing Bittersweet Trails has 20 km of groomed single track ski trails, ranging from easy to difficult, with warming huts. They are located along the Assiniboine River north of Treherne on Highway #242.

Black Wolf Trail

Hecla

(Approx 15 km one way) – The longest trail in the park runs along the south eastern shore of the island. It’s wide, relatively flat grade makes it a must for cyclists. Start at the north end and skirt the edges of the lake along an old road before turning into towering aspen forests. The trees eventually give way into Grassy Narrows Marsh at the south end. Keep an eye out for sign of the wolves after which this trail is named.

(Approx 15 km one way) – The longest trail in the park runs along the south eastern shore of the island. It’s wide, relatively flat grade makes it a must for cyclists. Start at the north end and skirt the edges of the lake along an old road before turning into towering aspen forests. The trees eventually give way into Grassy Narrows Marsh at the south end. Keep an eye out for sign of the wolves after which this trail is named.

Bluff Creek Anglican Church Interpretive Centre

Silver Ridge

The Alonsa Conserv­ation District has assumed ownership of the Bluff Creek Anglican Church and has created an interpretive centre for the area's history. A 4.8 km (3-mile) nature trail has been established.

The Alonsa Conserv­ation District has assumed ownership of the Bluff Creek Anglican Church and has created an interpretive centre for the area's history. A 4.8 km (3-mile) nature trail has been established.

Directions:

Located 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Silver Ridge on Margaret Bruce Beach Road.

Camp Morton Creek Trail

Gimli

Camp Morton Provincial Park is about 5 km north of Gimli on Highway 222. The trails on the west side of Highway 222 are accessed off Lakeside Road. The access to the east side trails are about 1 km further north. Winter & summer use.

Camp Morton Provincial Park is about 5 km north of Gimli on Highway 222. The trails on the west side of Highway 222 are accessed off Lakeside Road. The access to the east side trails are about 1 km further north. Winter & summer use.

Chorus Frog Trail

Hecla

(Approx 1.5 km return) – For a taste of Grassy Narrows Marsh, the Chorus Frog trail offers the best variety. Start out walking through dense willows into a rare copse of ash and oak before finally reaching the expanse of the marsh. A short boardwalk takes you to a viewing blind from which you...

(Approx 1.5 km return) – For a taste of Grassy Narrows Marsh, the Chorus Frog trail offers the best variety. Start out walking through dense willows into a rare copse of ash and oak before finally reaching the expanse of the marsh. A short boardwalk takes you to a viewing blind from which you can spot pied-billed grebes and if you’re lucky, the flash of an otter. For a longer walk back, take a left just off the boardwalk and follow the dyke along the marsh’s edge and reconnect with the entrance road to take you back to the trailhead.

Crocus Trail

Various Communities

Another stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, the Crocus Trail will lead you through the historic grain elevators at Inglis, past the Asessippi Ski Area and Winter Park, up to Roblin and the Goose Lakes, and finally through Duck Mountain Provincial Forest and to the Saskatchewan border at Madge Lake....

Another stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, the Crocus Trail will lead you through the historic grain elevators at Inglis, past the Asessippi Ski Area and Winter Park, up to Roblin and the Goose Lakes, and finally through Duck Mountain Provincial Forest and to the Saskatchewan border at Madge Lake. This trail offers many scenic vistas through forests, valleys, and along cultivated areas. A Trans Canada Trail pavilion is located at the junction of PTH5 and PTH83 in Roblin. Call for more information and for an update on the few portions of the trail not yet signed.

Cross Country Ski Trail

Gladstone

Cycling The Parkland

Various Communities

The Parkland is a cyclist’s dream come true. Hundreds of kilometres of trails of varying difficulty and length provide just the right level of challenge for cyclists of all abilities. Extensive trail networks exist in the parks, particularly in Riding Mountain, which features more than 400 km (250 miles) of hiking, biking and horseback trails, and where bike rentals are available at the Tempo gas station in Wasagaming. Trail maps are available from the Visitor Centre.

The Parkland is a cyclist’s dream come true. Hundreds of kilometres of trails of varying difficulty and length provide just the right level of challenge for cyclists of all abilities. Extensive trail networks exist in the parks, particularly in Riding Mountain, which features more than 400 km (250 miles) of hiking, biking and horseback trails, and where bike rentals are available at the Tempo gas station in Wasagaming. Trail maps are available from the Visitor Centre.

Duck Mountain Forest Site / Frank Marvin Visitor Centre

Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Forest

Duck Mountain Forest Site is a unique area of natural meadows, streams and wetlands and features 6 kms (4 miles) of all weather road leading through the boreal forest. Signs identify the many species of native trees and the site is home to a great variety of birds, waterfowl and animals....

Duck Mountain Forest Site is a unique area of natural meadows, streams and wetlands and features 6 kms (4 miles) of all weather road leading through the boreal forest. Signs identify the many species of native trees and the site is home to a great variety of birds, waterfowl and animals. It includes the Frank Marvin Visitor Centre with its historical displays and artifacts, a 3D model of the Swan Valley Watershed, picnic areas and five hiking trails totaling 10 km (6 miles). The Centre is wheelchair accessible.

Directions:

Located 1 km south of the junction of PR366 and PR367 (5 km [3 miles] from the Blue Lakes campground area) in Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

Four Valley Tour

Lake of the Prairies

A scenic highway route of approximately 100 km (63 miles) around Lake of the Prairies takes cyclists through four beautiful valleys, taking in numerous sites of interest along the way. From Roblin, travel 15 km west (across the lake) to PR482, which will take you south along the lake for...

A scenic highway route of approximately 100 km (63 miles) around Lake of the Prairies takes cyclists through four beautiful valleys, taking in numerous sites of interest along the way. From Roblin, travel 15 km west (across the lake) to PR482, which will take you south along the lake for approximately 40 km (25 miles) before turning east for 8 km (5 miles). Then travel north on PTH83 back to Roblin. Several campgrounds around the lake allow cyclists to break the tour up into two or more days.

Frank Skinner Arboretum Trail

Inglis

Located at the original nursery of one of Canada’s most innovative horticulturists, the Frank Skinner Arboretum Trail showcases some of the nearly 150 plant varieties developed by Dr. Skinner to survive in the harsh prairie environment. Picnic tables have been placed at the entrance to the trail for public use.

Located at the original nursery of one of Canada’s most innovative horticulturists, the Frank Skinner Arboretum Trail showcases some of the nearly 150 plant varieties developed by Dr. Skinner to survive in the harsh prairie environment. Picnic tables have been placed at the entrance to the trail for public use.

Directions:

Located 23 km (14.5 miles) south of Roblin or 31 km (19.5 miles) north of Russell on PTH83.

Green Acres Park Trail

Teulon

A 2.5 km walking trail in the Teulon-Rockwood Green Acres Park, located adjacent to the campground that offers prime bird watching opportunities. Trail meanders through the woods and follows the small creek that flows through the park.

A 2.5 km walking trail in the Teulon-Rockwood Green Acres Park, located adjacent to the campground that offers prime bird watching opportunities. Trail meanders through the woods and follows the small creek that flows through the park.

Icelandic River Trail

Arborg

Walk along the picturesque Icelandic River Trail as it winds along the Icelandic River in the Town of Arborg. Plans for a bridge across from town to the Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village and campground are underway

Walk along the picturesque Icelandic River Trail as it winds along the Icelandic River in the Town of Arborg. Plans for a bridge across from town to the Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village and campground are underway

Interlake Pioneer Trail

Riverton

-walking, hiking, biking, horse back riding, portion is for ATV'ing. Formerly the Prime Meridian Trail, this is the rail bed of a former CN rail line that cuts through the heart of the Interlake.This trail begins at Grosse Isle, just 10 minutes north of Hwy 101 on Hwy 6. The Prime Meridian Trail...

-walking, hiking, biking, horse back riding, portion is for ATV'ing. Formerly the Prime Meridian Trail, this is the rail bed of a former CN rail line that cuts through the heart of the Interlake.This trail begins at Grosse Isle, just 10 minutes north of Hwy 101 on Hwy 6. The Prime Meridian Trail Association anagers the first 10km (6 miles) of trail where you will find a conservation, recreation trail and heritage trail as a spur trail of the Trans-Canada Trail. As a haven for naturalists it boasts a variety of species over 240 flowers, 170 birds, 31 of mammals, 4 amphibians, 3 species of reptiles, that starts in the lush tall grass of the Red River Valley, then marches north thru farmland.

Steinbach

North Interlake Pioneer Trail

Grosse Isle

-multi use including ATV's. The north last three/quarters section of this 116 km (72 miles) trail, runs through the RM's of Woodlands, Armstrong and Fisher as you proceed from south to north. This portion of the Interlake Pioneer Trail takes you past farmland, into boreal forest, past the Narcisse...

-multi use including ATV's. The north last three/quarters section of this 116 km (72 miles) trail, runs through the RM's of Woodlands, Armstrong and Fisher as you proceed from south to north. This portion of the Interlake Pioneer Trail takes you past farmland, into boreal forest, past the Narcisse Snake Dens as well as through small communities such as Inwood, Chatfield, Narciss,e Broad Valley and ending in Fisher Branch. This northern section is open for ATV'ing under the South Interlake ATV group for use in spring thru fall offering a "safe place to ride" with Snoman operating thru the winter.

Rail Trail

Gimli

Found in the north portion of the RM Gimli and south portion of the RM of Bifrost running along PR 222 this former rail bed is used by many summer residents and visitors as a link between the beach side communities. Ideal for those great spring/summer/fall activities of walking, hiking and biking. Be sure to watch for the birds and wildlife and take time to smell the fresh country air

Found in the north portion of the RM Gimli and south portion of the RM of Bifrost running along PR 222 this former rail bed is used by many summer residents and visitors as a link between the beach side communities. Ideal for those great spring/summer/fall activities of walking, hiking and biking. Be sure to watch for the birds and wildlife and take time to smell the fresh country air

Red River North Trail part of the Trans Canada Trail

Grand Beach

The Red River North Trail is 110 km / 68 miles from north of Winnipeg to Grand Beach via Bird's Hill, Lockport and Selkirk. This is a recreational trail that preserves access to Manitoba's varied natural landscapes, to connect communities and preserve history, culture & heritage by promoting a...

The Red River North Trail is 110 km / 68 miles from north of Winnipeg to Grand Beach via Bird's Hill, Lockport and Selkirk. This is a recreational trail that preserves access to Manitoba's varied natural landscapes, to connect communities and preserve history, culture & heritage by promoting a better quality of life and well being.The Interlake section crosses the Locks and Dams at Lockport, traveling along the heritage River Road norht to historic Lower Fort Garry, into Selkirk and across the bridge into East Selkirk and north to the Victoria Beach and Grand Beach areas. The trail is great for nature lovers, artists, historians, photographers, cyclists and explorers. Have a wonderful time and enjoy your piece of heaven. This section of the trail is ideal for walking, jogging, hiking & biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling adventures as well as sightseeing.

Rolling Range Riders Snowmobile Trail

Holland

Rossburn Subdivision Trail

Various Communities

This portion of the Trans Canada Trail, consisting of an abandoned CN branch line, is being converted for public use. The trail begins in Neepawa and continues to Russell, passing through the communities of Sandy Lake, Elphinstone, Oakburn, Rossburn, and other communities along PTH45. Completed...

This portion of the Trans Canada Trail, consisting of an abandoned CN branch line, is being converted for public use. The trail begins in Neepawa and continues to Russell, passing through the communities of Sandy Lake, Elphinstone, Oakburn, Rossburn, and other communities along PTH45. Completed areas are ideal for hiking, walking, horseback riding and cycling, and cross-country skiing. Most of the 176 km (110 miles) are groomed for snowmobiling in winter. In 2008 the trail was refurbished from Erickson to Sandy Lake providing a smoother surface for cycling. Signage now identifies RST as part of the TCT. For more information, go to www.mrta.mb.ca

Symonds "Rails to Trails" Kiosk in the village of Sandy Lake features maps and pictorial histories of the Rossburn Subdivision of the Canadian National Railroad (CNR) and the village.

Russell Trail at Grandview

Grandview

In the late 19th century the government of the still-young province of Manitoba found itself in a bit of a quandary: immigrants were flooding into the Parkland area, and some were leaving again, dissatisfied with the lack of good roads and railway connections. Until 1903, the closest railway...

In the late 19th century the government of the still-young province of Manitoba found itself in a bit of a quandary: immigrants were flooding into the Parkland area, and some were leaving again, dissatisfied with the lack of good roads and railway connections. Until 1903, the closest railway terminus to Dauphin was to be found nearly 100 km to the southwest in Russell. Construction of the Dauphin-Russell Colonization Road, or the Russell Trail as it would come to be known, began in 1891 as a means of providing the access from the Dauphin area, which already boasted a population of some 1200 settlers, to goods, markets and more immigrants via the railway in Russell.

Directions:

One mile of the old trail has been redeveloped for recreational use. Travel 8 km (5 miles) south from Grandview on PR366. From here you can turn east onto the trail (a sign marks the location).

Sugar Point Walking Trail

Lundar

Perfect for walking, hiking or biking make this trail part of your special time at the Lundar Provincial Park, a quiet campground along the shore of Lake Manitoba directly west of the town of Lundar on Hwy 6. Hike around this 3.2 kilometre trail that lays around the edge of the campground. Found by...

Perfect for walking, hiking or biking make this trail part of your special time at the Lundar Provincial Park, a quiet campground along the shore of Lake Manitoba directly west of the town of Lundar on Hwy 6. Hike around this 3.2 kilometre trail that lays around the edge of the campground. Found by a natural marshland this area is home to many birds including songbirds, pelicans and a variety of ducks. Canada Geese also migrate and breed in this area- see Marshy Point Goose Refuge in the Nature & Wildlife Viewing section.

Symond's Trans-Canada Trail Kiosk

Sandy Lake

This kiosk on the Trans Canada Trail, topped by a model of a steam engine, was completed in 2006 as a special project of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Association of Sandy Lake. The kiosk honours the railroaders of the Rossburn Subdivision of the CN Railroad and the area’s pioneers. A pathway of personalized bricks acknowledges those who donated to the kiosk’s construction.

This kiosk on the Trans Canada Trail, topped by a model of a steam engine, was completed in 2006 as a special project of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Association of Sandy Lake. The kiosk honours the railroaders of the Rossburn Subdivision of the CN Railroad and the area’s pioneers. A pathway of personalized bricks acknowledges those who donated to the kiosk’s construction.

The Lighthouse Trail

Hecla

(approx. 1.5 km return) – Pick up this trail behind the Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort. It’s an easy walk that ambles through old-growth boreal mixed wood forest before leading you along the shores of Lake Winnipeg out onto a narrow spit of land. There, you are treated to a panoramic view of the water from the base of one of the last functioning lighthouses on Lake Winnipeg. Watch for wheeling eagles and flocks of pelicans and cormorants.

(approx. 1.5 km return) – Pick up this trail behind the Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort. It’s an easy walk that ambles through old-growth boreal mixed wood forest before leading you along the shores of Lake Winnipeg out onto a narrow spit of land. There, you are treated to a panoramic view of the water from the base of one of the last functioning lighthouses on Lake Winnipeg. Watch for wheeling eagles and flocks of pelicans and cormorants.

Thunderbird Nest

Ebb and Flow

The Thunderbird is a guardian spirit, evoked to protect mankind against the serpent of the underworld. This rock nest was built long ago by the Ojibwa people. The site includes a walking trail, interpretive signs and a picnic area.

The Thunderbird is a guardian spirit, evoked to protect mankind against the serpent of the underworld. This rock nest was built long ago by the Ojibwa people. The site includes a walking trail, interpretive signs and a picnic area.

Directions:

Located 1 km (0.6 miles) south of PTH68, 6 km (3-3/4 miles) west of the Narrows Bridge at Ebb and Flow Lake.

Trans Canada Trail - Grand Beach

Grand Beach

Discover the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba. The Portion of this trail in Eastern Manitoba covers over 350 kilometers, starting from North Winnipeg to Grand Beach. The Blue Water Trail, from Grand Beach Provincial Park to Pinawa, cuts across Belair Provincial Forest. Pinawa's section winds from the...

Discover the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba. The Portion of this trail in Eastern Manitoba covers over 350 kilometers, starting from North Winnipeg to Grand Beach. The Blue Water Trail, from Grand Beach Provincial Park to Pinawa, cuts across Belair Provincial Forest. Pinawa's section winds from the Pinawa dam to the Seven Sisters Generating Station. The North Whiteshell section of the trail runs from Seven Sisters to Caddy Lake. The South Whiteshell section runs from Rennie to the Ontario border. All sections of the trail offer remarkable views and beautiful routes.

West Quarry Trail

Hecla

(approx. 3.5 km return) – In the summer, this is an out-and-back trail that winds its way along the lakeshore through towering aspen and white spruce. Stop at the lagoon and watch from the protection of the screenedin gazebo as red-winged blackbirds flit among the cattails and muskrat cut a trail through the still waters. At the end of the trail, discover the history of Hecla as you explore the remains of both a quarry and a fish station.

(approx. 3.5 km return) – In the summer, this is an out-and-back trail that winds its way along the lakeshore through towering aspen and white spruce. Stop at the lagoon and watch from the protection of the screenedin gazebo as red-winged blackbirds flit among the cattails and muskrat cut a trail through the still waters. At the end of the trail, discover the history of Hecla as you explore the remains of both a quarry and a fish station.

Yellow Quill Trail

Treherne

The Yellow Quill Trail runs from the correction line south of Treherne to an area well north of the Assiniboine River and in the direction ofPortage la Prairie. This has been recorded in the June 13, 2006 edition of Hansard.

The Yellow Quill Trail runs from the correction line south of Treherne to an area well north of the Assiniboine River and in the direction ofPortage la Prairie. This has been recorded in the June 13, 2006 edition of Hansard.